With every workplace containing people of diverse backgrounds, personalities and viewpoints, conflict is inevitable. Colleagues can clash for any number of reasons, from differences of work ethic to varying needs and values.
Conflicts should never be ignored or left unresolved, as they can cause rifts within the team, disrupt productivity and create a tense working environment.
When approached with respect, conflict can sometimes lead to positive outcomes, such as having a better understanding of colleagues and developing emotional intelligence. This is not to say that everyone has to like or be friends with each other, but at least maintain healthy workplace relationships and accept their differences.
How can you manage conflict within your team?
Stay calm, be patient and listen. Getting caught up in the conflict and losing your temper will only escalate the situation. Take time to understand the circumstances by speaking with everyone involved individually. Make sure to do this in private to maintain confidentiality and show empathy while letting them speak freely.
Do not take sides and avoid assumptions. Do your best to remain objective and focus on the facts. Listen to the viewpoints of all individuals involved to understand how the conflict arose in the first place. If there is something that you are unsure of, ask the team to explain and clear up any misunderstandings. The goal is to come to a resolution and make sure that all parties are satisfied, not to cause more friction.
Follow up. Remember to check in with your team after the conflict has been resolved. If there is still some underlying tension between colleagues or any persisting frustrations, the situation should be revisited. It is also good to ask for feedback from the team and address any concerns they may have.
Take further action (if necessary). Some cases of conflict can involve more serious factors, such as individuals refusing to change their behaviour or accusations of harassment or discrimination. In these situations, HR or upper management should become involved.
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About the author
Regine Tse
Regine joined RWA between 2021-2023 having graduated from Loughborough University with a 2:1 in Graphic Communication and Illustration. As a Digital Content Assistant, Regine used their graphic design and illustration experience to create engaging e-learning modules.
